The approach of spring apparently means two things in North Carolina: Get out and learn.
Coast
Learn about the wild habitats that make up Carolina Beach State Park at 10 a.m. nature hikes both Saturday and Sunday. The meeting place of this ranger-led hike — Flytrap Trail Parking Area — should provide some clue about the ecodiversity at Carolina Beach. “Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather,” advises the park. More about the weather momentarily.
Logistics: Meets at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, at the Flytrap Trail Parking Area. More info at 910.458.8206, more info on the park here.
Weekend forecast: Clear Saturday, high of 57; a little cloudy Sunday, high of 64.
Piedmont
Guess who else’s biodiversity is on display this weekend? Charlotte’s Reedy Creek Nature Center. The Catawba Lands Conservancy sponsors this hike, which will cover 7 to 9 miles “on uneven terrain at a moderate pace.” This is a daylong sucker, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Logistics: The hike is on Saturday, at 8 a.m., and it’s free, but you must be 12 or older and preregistration is required, by calling 704.432.6460. More about Reedy Creek here.
Weekend forecast: Sunny and 61 on Saturday.
Mountains
This Saturday hike is a little different. We’ll let the sponsoring Mount Jefferson State Natural Area explain: We will be exploring some of the ecological interconnections and energy exchangers that make life possible on Mt. Jefferson. Come and investigate the circle of life that exists within Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.” And wear sturdy shoes.
Logistics: Meet at the park’s picnic shelter, at 2 p.m. More about the park here.
Weekend forecast: Clear and 54.
* * *
Those are GGNC’s thoughts for an active weekend. Find out other ways you can get out this weekend by browsing our super calendar, a collection of events calendars from throughout the state, below.
Coast
CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.
Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.
Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.
NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).
This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).
Mountains
Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.
Blue Ridge Outdoors
Searchable calendar lets you extend your reach to events throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast (or you can just limit it to North Carolina). Also lets you search a boatload of categories, ranging from Hiking, Mountain Biking and Climbing to Trail Running, Triathlon and Road Walking.
The Mountain Times
From the main page, click on “Calendars,” then Main Events.
Piedmont
Charlotte
Charlotte Observer events calendar
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including Nature, Recreation, Recreation & Wellness, Running
Charlotte Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triad
GoTriad.com
Comprehensive calendar includes a Sports & Recreation category.
Piedmont Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triangle
Triangle.com
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including: Birding, Boating, Cycling, Nature, Rec & Wellness, Recreation, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga.
Carolina Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Statewide
Office of Environmental Education
One calendar for the numerous Environmental Education Centers statewide.
North Carolina State Parks
Lets you search for programs at the state’s parks, recreation areas and natural areas by location, by month, by topic. To reach the calendar from the home page, click on “Education,” then “Fun & Free Programs at Parks.”
National Forests in North Carolina
From the home page, click on Carolina Connections for news updates on the state’s four national forests as well as hints on recreational opportunities and a detailed rundown of recreation areas and the amenities at each.
* * *
Like us on Facebook and get health, fitness and outdoors news throughout the day.
GetGoingNC.com
Promote Your Page Too